JavaScript is disabled for your browser. Some features of this site may not work without it.

The forgotten ones: A case study of the obstacles that prevent meaningful participation in democratic governance of farm women in the greater Stellenbosch Area, Ceres & Rawsonville

Saal, Querida Shahida (2010-03)

Thesis (MA (Political Science))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010.

Thesis

ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This research examines the extent of participatory democracy, as outlined in government
policy, with particular relevance to the experiences of women living on farms in the Greater
Stellenbosch Area, Ceres and Rawsonville.
The study is based on the notion that effective and meaningful political participation in South
Africa has happened at the exclusion of many of its poor and marginalised citizens, in
particular poor women living on farms. The research hypothesis holds that various factors
relating to the socioeconomic conditions and political orientations of farm women contribute
to their low levels of participation in democratic governance. The research question therefore
is: what are the obstacles that prevent women living on farms in the Greater Stellenbosch
Area, Ceres and Rawsonville from effective and meaningful participation in participatory
democracy?
In answering the research question, mixed methods of data gathering were employed.
Qualitative methods were used, with data-gathering techniques that included modified
participant observation, non-scheduled structured interviews, and a focus group discussion.
As relatively little is known of the experiences of farm women, these techniques were all
geared towards better informing the researcher about relevant questions for the quantitative
component of the research in the form of a survey.
From the findings, the hypothesis that farm women do not participate in a meaningful process
of participation was confirmed. The main findings in terms of the obstacles that prevent
meaningful participation can be discussed in three categories. Firstly, the research indicates
that farm women feel that since their opinions are not considered by politicians there is no
reason for them to participate in governance. Secondly, because of a lack of capacity and
resources critical for optimal participation, the women are also disempowered to not
participate in politics. Finally, farm women are tired of empty promises and the abuse of
power by corrupt officials. Hence they have become very cynical of processes that are
supposed to be participatory, but in effect are not authentic at all.
In conclusion, although participation is advanced on the basis of the principle of enhancing
democracy, the lived realities of farm women cannot be ignored. Therefore, it is vital that
participation in politics be seen from a holistic perspective, relying on both democratic
principles and the socioeconomic development of farm women. Through political
iii
participation, farm women must be empowered to become not only democratic citizens, as
envisioned by theorists of participatory democracy, but also capacitated people who live a
dignified life.